Cold Sores
Treatment Duration
30
Suggested Sessions
2-4 times/year
What is Cold Sore?
Cold sore is a skin infection that affects millions of people around the world.
It appears on the lips and perioral area in the form of painful blisters and is highly contagious. Cold sores are not curable, while the therapeutic approach is to manage the annoying symptoms it causes.
It caused by HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) type 1 infection
HSV-1, which causes cold sore, if transmitted to the genitals can cause genital herpes.
Genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2 infection and also if transmitted to the lips it can cause cold sores.
Infection with the virus is one of the most common infections since it is estimated that the majority of people under the age of 50 carry the virus in their body.
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Cold sores tends to recur periodically and causes social anxiety in the carriers of the lesions.Who does Cold Sores affect?
Transmission
- Direct skin contact with the lesions.
- With sexual intercourse (oral).
- With kisses.
- By sharing glasses, forks, etc.
- By sharing lip cosmetics.
The virus that causes herpes labialis (HSV-1) is transmitted even when the skin lesions are not visible.Why does Cold Sores appear?
Symptoms
- Tingling or numbness
- Heartburn
- Itch
- Edema
- Pain in the lips
The main symptom of the virus is the appearance of lesions on the lips. These lesions look like small bubbles or blisters and contain liquid while causing a strong burning sensation and itching.
After the skin infection subsides, the virus is "deactivated" and remains in the body.
Use over-the-counter cold sore medications with early symptoms. They can reduce their duration.
Factors that "activate" Cold Sores
- Stress
- The exhaustion
- An illness such as the flu or a cold
- An injury to the area where the herpes outbreak occurs (eg a cut)
- Extreme temperatures
- Hormonal changes
Cold Sores Diagnosis
In people who have a low immune system, a sample is taken from the lesion, which will undergo a laboratory test to determine the type of virus and the possible presence of antibodies in the body.
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For the effective treatment of injuries, the early initiation of treatment plays a decisive role! (first 24 - 48 hours).Cold Sores or Canker?
Cold Sores Treatment
- Either with topically applied antiviral drugs (creams, ointments, etc.).
- Either systemic treatment with oral medications.
Now, for aesthetic reasons, some special stickers, also known as patches, are often used, which are impregnated with antiviral drugs!
For immunocompromised diseases, the treatment may be longer depending on the severity of the clinical picture, in order to achieve suppression of the virus and of course proper and frequent follow-up by the dermatologist is required.
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As healing progresses it is important to protect your lips with a sunscreen balm.Complications
If cold sores last more than 15 days, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist.Cold Sores Tips
- To reduce the cycle of cold sores over time, at the first symptom apply local treatment (creams, ointments, special patches, etc.).
- To reduce the pain you can take a common pain reliever.
- As a natural treatment for pain, you can apply a piece of ice to the area. Also avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as spicy or salty foods.
- To reduce irritation to the area, apply a cool washcloth for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
Prevention
- Avoid kissing, direct contact, and oral sex with someone who has cold sores.
- Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, cutlery, razors.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes, lips or genitals.
Facts
- According to World Health Organization, 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 worldwide have HSV-1 herpes simplex infection.
- Treatment for HSV-1 symptoms is most effective when started within 48 hours of their onset.
- Most HSV-1 infections are asymptomatic.
Frequent Questions
Γιατί βγάζω συχνά επιχείλιο έρπη;
Από τη στιγμή που θα μεταδοθεί ο ιός του έρπη, παραμένει αδρανής στο σώμα και εκδηλώνεται μέσα από πολλά ερεθίσματα. Το πόσο συχνά θα παρουσιαστεί ο επιχείλιος έρπης διαφέρει από άτομο σε άτομο, ενώ το θετικό είναι ότι συνήθως την πρώτη φορά τα συμπτώματα είναι σοβαρά, ενώ έπειτα γίνονται πιο ήπια.
Πως φεύγει ο έρπης στα χείλη;
Σήμερα υπάρχουν πολλές διαθέσιμες θεραπείες για την αντιμετώπιση του επιχείλιου έρπη. Καλό είναι να συμβουλευτείτε τον δερματολόγο σας.
Can cold sores go away in a day?
By starting the treatment immediately, as soon as you feel the first symptoms on your lips or face, the more you will speed up the healing cycle of cold sores.
What should I do for the recurrence of cold sores?
The reappearance of cold sores can be caused when someone has intense stress in their daily life, but it can also be due to a weakened immune system or constant re-infection from the virus.
There is a treatment taken by mouth 1 to 2 times a year to prevent infections. Of course, the administration is done after consultation with the dermatologist and after other causes of recurrence have been ruled out.
How can I protect myself from someone who has cold sores?
To begin with, you should of course avoid direct contact with the lesion but also other types of contact such as handshakes, kisses, sexual intercourse and the sharing of objects such as glasses or towels.
It would also be useful to wash your hands often, clean surfaces regularly and of course not touch your face.
Bibliography
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21136-cold-sores
- https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/cold-sores
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus